POLO & Lifestyle: The London Magazine

July 1, 2024

Cover Story: ‘Pacho’ HH Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur

“It’s an honor to be selected as Global Brand Ambassador for U.S. Polo Assn., a brand that is so popular and respected in my home country of India and so authentic to the sport of polo,” said His Highness, Padmanabh Singh, Maharaja of Jaipur. “I look forward to representing the brand with great enthusiasm at sporting and fashion events and on social media for fans and consumers around the world!”

U.S. Polo Assn. Announces His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur, India as New Global Brand Ambassador.

We spoke to His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur, about his new role as the Global Brand Ambassador, Polo and motto in life.

You are the new global brand ambassador for the global, sport brand U.S. Polo Assn. What does this role mean to you?

Polo has always been more than a mere sport for me. It is my passion.

To be the global ambassador of a prestigious brand that supports and promotes polo worldwide like U.S. Polo Assn. is an honor and a privilege.

It has been tremendously motivating to work with Mr. J. Michael Prince, the CEO of USPA Global, the company that manages and oversees the global U.S. Polo Assn. brand. Through all my interactions with him, I have keenly felt his passion for polo and our conversations have been an ongoing discussion on how we can work together to take the game to another level under the aegis of this beautiful brand.

U.S. Polo Assn.’s efforts {in partnership with the USPA} have already raised the bar {for the sport} significantly in the United States and it is my hope that in my new role as the Global Ambassador of the brand, I can work with Michael to effectively use that as an example to impact polo positively across the world.

Over the last few years, I have been working towards popularizing polo in India through the Rajasthan Polo Club and the Jaipur Polo Seasons and am confident that this collaboration with U.S. Polo Assn. will help create greater awareness about the sport as well as make it more inclusive and accessible.

What is the most important thing the game of polo has taught you?

Polo has taught me many things. Patience, dedication, precision, teamwork, leadership, persistence, commitment, and most importantly, the confidence to follow my passion with my heart and soul.

What is your personal insider's tip for striking the perfect hit?

My tip for striking the perfect hit is the same as one for achieving any goal in life - 'Keep your eye on the ball'.

What is one motto you live by?

The motto of my family. 'Yato Dharmastato Jaya' - 'Where there is Righteousness, there is Victory'.

I believe that each one of us is born with the ability to judge right and wrong. As long as you allow your conscience to guide your actions, you will always emerge victorious in all your endeavors.

Decisive action backed by conscientious thought - that is my 'dharm' and I endeavor to live by it every day.

U.S. Polo Assn. Presents the Historic 2024 Paris Games Polo Challenge USA vs. France

U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA) and the Polo Club du Domaine Chantilly are proud to present the Paris Games Polo Challenge 2024, a tribute match between USA and France taking place on August 7. The Paris Games Polo Challenge will be open to the public and will air on ESPN2 to a global audience.

With the 2024 Summer Olympics taking place in Paris from July through August and equestrian events concluding on August 6 at Versailles, U.S. Polo Assn. invites sports fans to continue the equestrian celebration with polo, just 40 minutes outside Paris city center at the Polo Club du Domaine Chantilly. Chantilly is the home of the Great Stables of Prince de Conde and Chateau de Chantilly, and is, of course, the namesake of Chantilly lace, the famous silk laces that date back to 17th century France.

In partnership with the Federation of International Polo (FIP) the Federation Française de Polo (FFP) and the USPA, this historic match is the centennial celebration and tribute to the last time France hosted the Olympics, exactly 100 years ago. France will be seeking redemption at the Paris Games Polo Challenge 2024 for the VIII Olympiad which were held in Paris for the second time in the modern era. On June 28, 1924, in St. Cloud, France, and before the official opening ceremony, the match between the United States and France began. It ended with France losing 15-1. USA concluded the overall tournament with the silver medal, having lost to Argentina, who remained unbeaten and took home Olympic gold. The last Olympics to include polo was held in 1936 in Berlin, Germany.

As the Title and Apparel Sponsor, U.S. Polo Assn. will be providing apparel for USA and France Teams with performance jerseys, practice jerseys, and an assortment of U.S. Polo Assn. custom designed country apparel to wear off the field, featuring the global sports brand’s iconic double horsemen logo. The USA Team will be wearing custom USPA Pro whites. U.S. Polo Assn. is also providing saddle pads, as well as groom and staff outfitting for the Polo Club du Domaine Chantilly. VIP gifts for the event will include event limited edition Paris Games Polo Challenge 2024 caps, t-shirts, scarves and pocket squares, as well as branded duffle bags.

“U.S. Polo Assn. is honored to be part of such an historic and celebratory polo event at the beautiful Polo Club du Domaine Chantilly, alongside the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics,” said J. Michael Prince, President & CEO of USPA Global, the company that manages and markets the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “This event brings FIP, FFP and the USPA together for only the second time in 100 years of history, making this tribute game a once in a lifetime opportunity for everyone that attends.”

Polo Club du Domaine Chantilly will also be hosting two other high goal polo tournaments this summer, the Polo Nations Cup from June 13 - 23, and the French Open for men and women from September 4-22. These events are also open to the public.

“The French Polo Federation is extremely honored to welcome the Paris Games Polo Challenge to our country during the summer of the Paris Olympic Games 2024, with the support of FIP, the USPA and U.S. Polo Assn. at the prestigious Polo Club de Chantilly, headquarters of the French Polo Federation,” said Jean-Edouard Mazery, President of the French Polo Federation. “This is a unique step for the French national team to play the USA Team during the Paris Olympic Games 2024, and a tremendous opportunity to develop a program for our French national team and promote our sport.”

https://issuu.com/polo_lifestyle_magazine/docs/polo_lifestyle_the_london_magazine_summer_2024